Press Release From Port Of Lake Charles: It’s the 60th anniversary of nation’s first LNG shipment

More news from the recent Breakbulk Conference held in Houston.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of America’s first trans-Atlantic transport of liquefied natural gas — and it took place in Southwest Louisiana. The MV Methane Pioneer left Lake Charles on June 1, 1959, and arrived 15 days later at the Canvey Island Import Terminal in the United Kingdom.

The journey was an early step in the Port-facilitated Calcasieu Ship Channel becoming the global LNG courier that it is today. Compare that ship — in size and capacity — to the ones used today, 60 years after a local achievement launched a worldwide trade element.

The historical research on the milestone was compiled by nationally known energy expert Howard Candelet of Parallax Services. The pioneer shipment is just one example of how the Port and Ship Channel have long been every cargo kings.